Can international students work and stay on after studying in Latvia?

International students in Latvia hold a student temporary residence permit, granted after the institution obtains PMLP's approval of a formal invitation, and typically renewed a year at a time. The permit is centred on study, with proof of means of subsistence and health insurance among the conditions.

Staying on after graduation generally means moving to a different route. With a qualifying job offer, many graduates switch to the employment-based temporary residence permit or, for highly qualified roles, the EU Blue Card (which has no labour-market test). Those continuing in research can use the researcher permit. Time accrued lawfully on temporary residence can eventually count toward the five-year requirement for permanent residence and EU Long-Term Resident status.

Because the conditions for working during studies and for switching routes can change, confirm the current rules with your institution and on pmlp.gov.lv — and bear in mind the stricter settlement requirements coming in 2026. ACME can help you plan the transition from study to work and time your applications so you stay in status.